WEMBLEY’S CASH BOOST

Clubs have their say

With the proposed £800m sale of Wembley to Fulham owner Shahid Khan, the FA say they will plough around £500m into grassroots football. We asked Non-League clubs for their views...

Graham Wood – Hampton & Richmond Borough chairman

“If the funds generated were used to benefit grassroots football, it would be very good news, though with so many good causes around the country supporters may be disappointed if they think it will instantly transform their club.”

David Haythornthwaite – AFC Fylde chairman

“It would be a disgrace if they sold Wembley. It’s the national stadium and a national treasure, it should never be sold. It’s short-termism and it’s a big no from my point of view. I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news as it’s like selling the Houses of Parliament or Big Ben to Donald Trump.”

Shahid Azeem – chairman of Aldershot Town

“From a commercial point of view – if someone is prepared to invest £800m that would be a great deal for The FA. But it’s vital that they keep the licence for those important games, the FA Cup, England games but also for NonLeague clubs – the Vase and the Trophy, the play-offs. And I think it will be good to play England games elsewhere, it opens up doors for people that can’t otherwise get to Wembley.”

Derek Wilshaw – Altrincham FC director

“If there is more money being given to clubs at our level from The FA, that is quite a good idea. Any money that can come our way would be gratefully received.”

Eric Bailey – Thatcham Town chairman

“Wembley should stay as a national icon, it shouldn’t be taken away from the game. It’s something special, the lads are over the moon to be there (in the FA Vase final).”

Martin Hillerby – Stockton Town chairman

“I can’t really understand the logic behind the potential sale. The FA must have enough money to sort out problems without needing to sell Wembley.”

Steve Hobson – Ashton United vice-chairman

“Anything that advances the game, across the board, has got to be a good thing. The FA are the custodians of our game so if they come up with a decision that they think is in the best interests of our game, rather than the best

interests of themselves, then that can only be a good thing.”

Liam Hickey – Dulwich Hamlet chairman

“I’ll believe it when I see it but if it results in a fairer distribution of wealth across the game, then we would want that. We would like to think that the FA could spread its wealth more across the game, especially if it no longer has the cost of Wembley, which is not as important to the clubs at this level.”

Ken Wright – Chorley chairman

“I am not sure why the FA are considering selling a stadium that has been the historical home of football. It’s not something I would say is a good idea.”

Jeremy Alderman – Frome Town chairman

“The FA should keep Wembley because they'd be selling the family silver if they did. Who knows what would happen to Wembley in the future? Whoever buys it might want to do something else with it, sell it on again and kick The FA out of there. There's no doubt that grass roots needs money, but I'm not sure that selling Wembley is the best way to help that.

Matt Lucas – Dorchester Town chairman

“If selling Wembley means money can be filtered down to grassroots football, that has to be seen as a positive.” What do YOU think? Write to us at Non-League Paper, Tuition House, St George’s Road, Wimbledon SW19 4EU or email nlp@greenways publishing.co.uk